Fiesta Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker Recipe)
A vibrant and wholesome dish made with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, butter beans, and warm spices—this slow cooker chili is easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for meal planning or weeknight dinners.
This recipe delivers a light yet filling chili packed with texture and fresh ingredients. It is a convenient, one-pot meal you can assemble in minutes and leave to cook while you take care of your day. Ideal for busy weeknights, road trips, or packing lunches ahead of time, Fiesta Chicken Chili strikes the perfect balance of warmth, nutrition, and taste.
Fiesta Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker Recipe)
4
servings15
minutes4
hours300
kcalIngredients
1½ cups canned diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
1 red onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
½ orange bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño, diced
1 cob of corn, kernels removed (or ¾ cup frozen corn)
1½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
One 14 or 15-ounce can butter beans, rinsed and drained
Directions
- Start the base
- While you prepare the rest of the ingredients, add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, pepper, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce to your Crock-Pot® slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add fresh ingredients
- As you chop the onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and remove corn kernels (or measure frozen corn), add each ingredient directly into the slow cooker. Add the cubed chicken thighs and butter beans.
- Mix and cook
- Stir all ingredients together to ensure even distribution. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Slow cook
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables are soft.
- Serve
- Ladle into bowls and serve with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, guacamole, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice, warm tortillas, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Pack leftovers in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This chili freezes well. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit chicken and add extra beans like black beans or kidney beans.
- Spicier chili: Add extra jalapeño or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy style: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for added richness.
Final Thoughts
Fiesta Chicken Chili is a simple and flexible slow cooker recipe that brings bold flavors and healthy ingredients together in one comforting bowl. The bright colors and variety of vegetables make it both beautiful and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this chili is a reliable and rewarding dish that doesn’t require much hands-on time.
